A City-County Council panel's action could reduce spending on roadwork and other public works projects next year to free up money to hire police recruits.

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The City-County Council's Public Works Committee tonight held back $8 million in RebuildIndy money from next year's budget to reserve as potential funding for more police recruits.

The panel amended and approved the Department of Public Works budget 5-2, with Republicans dissenting. Public Works Director Lori Miser said holding back that sum next year would reduce roadwork and other project spending from $50 million to $42 million.

Democrats left their intentions vague during the meeting. Afterward, Chairman Vernon Brown, a Democrat, told The Indianapolis Star that he soon may file a ...